John Joseph Schell

TECATE, Mexico — John Schell died unexpectedly from a heart attack on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021 (it is uncertain if his death was due to COVID-19.) Born John Joseph Schell on Feb. 2, 1935, in Sandusky, to Lawrence Schell and Emma Walter Schell, John was a graduate of St. Mary's High School (1953) and Holy Cross University (1957) with a degree in accounting. He joined the United States Navy in 1957 and retired after 20 years' service as a Lt. Commander in 1977. In 1960, John married Claire Marie Fok-Tung and raised seven children, primarily in San Diego, California. John is preceded in death by his wife, Clarie M. Schell; and his sister, Mary A. Reed (nee Schell.) He is survived by his brother, Lawrence A. Schell, of Milan; and will be remembered by his eight children, namely, Jeanne Marie Heaphy (Davin) of California, Ursula Marie O'Farrell (Michael) of California, Emily Marie Schell of California, Hildegarde Marie Schell-Chaple (Michael) of California, John Peter Schell of Georgia, Christina Marie Schell of California, Paul Fredrick Schell (Nicole) of Idaho, and Fabiola Palma of Mexico; and his thirteen grandchildren, namely, Christienne Marie Surgalski, Nicolas Patrick Surgalski, Scott Allen Schell, Evan Alexander Schell, Rachel Anne Surgalski, Alexander Roberto Chaple, Jenna Sabine Heaphy, Robert John Schell, Nathaniel Joseph Chaple, Sadah Elizabeth Schell, Mia Teresa O'Farrell, Dylan Michael Schell and Claire Audrey Schell. During COVID-19, there will not be a public church service or memorial. If desired, any donations may be offered in John's name to your favorite Catholic Church, food support for the needy, school or local charity.